The latest deal reflects Apple's increased emphasis on services as growth in its iPhone business slows, said Jack Kent of IHS Technology in a report.

"The investment in Didi highlights the strategic importance of China and the services segment for Apple's future strategy,'' Kent said. "It could help Apple gain greater insight into the behaviour of users beyond its own ecosystem.''

Didi Chuxing, previously Didi Kuaidi, operates in 400 Chinese cities.

In September, the company and Lyft of the United States agreed to link their services to allow travellers to use them in each other's markets. In December, their alliance added India's Ola and Southeast Asia's GrabTaxi.